1.866.948.0571
Search
Search
Teacher and three young children gathered around a table in a classroom with educational posters and plants.
A woman sits at a table with three children engaged in an activity. They appear to be focused on something in front of them, with colorful papers and numbers on the wall in the background, suggesting a learning environment.

Early Childhood Care and Development Diploma

Online or On-Campus
Request Info

Diploma

Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Program Duration Icon

12 months

Approximate Program Length

Credits Icon

36 credits

Total Credits

Program Start Date Icon

November 05

Next Start Date for Online Students

Program Start Date Icon

January 14

Next Start Date for On-Campus Students

Apply Now

Have you been thinking about pursuing a teaching career in childcare? Take the first step with a program for a diploma in early childhood education from Bryant & Stratton College.

Graduates of our Early Childhood Care & Development diploma program are well prepared to pursue rewarding career opportunities in early child development settings. With key courses that lay the foundation for guiding and evaluating the education of young children, as well as the developmental needs of toddlers and infants, this diploma program provides a solid first step toward a future as an educator.

The Early Childhood Care & Development Program You’ve Been Looking For

Students in the Early Childhood Care & Development diploma program are well-prepared to work with young children from infancy through middle-childhood in learning environments such as childcare centers—both home and center-based—child development programs, intervention programs, recreation programs and more. This diploma in early childhood education can also be a stepping stone toward an associate degree education, including the Early Childhood Education Associate of Applied Science degree program at Bryant & Stratton College, or even on to bachelor’s degree or master’s degree opportunities.

The 36-credit-hours of courses in the Early Childhood Care & Development diploma can be used to help fulfill the 120-hour educational requirement for the National Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential awarded through the Council for Professional Recognition. As the most widely recognized credential in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) field, students are encouraged to apply for the CDA upon completion.

Where can you take this program?

Whether you prefer the vibrant atmosphere of on-campus classes, the convenience of online learning, or the flexibility of remote options, our degree programs are tailored to fit your lifestyle. Use our interactive map to explore the various campus locations where this degree program is offered.

Virginia

New York

Wisconsin

Take the Next Step

Whether it’s online, on-campus, or remote, our programs are designed to offer flexible learning options for your degree.

Request Info

Start Your Free Application

No application fee, because applying to college should be easy and free.

Apply Now

Program Outcomes

Taken online or on-campus, our Early Childhood Care & Development diploma program provides students with the ability to:

Request Info
Blue icon showing a clipboard with a checklist and a pencil, indicating tasks or notes being marked off.

Implement developmentally appropriate and inclusive activities and guidance strategies designed to positively impact child behavior and to support growth in all domains.

AAS Early Childhood Education Icon

Integrate health, safety, and nutrition practices according to local, state, and national standards.

A blue abstract logo featuring two symmetrical hands holding a stylized leaf or floral design.

Create respectful, reciprocal relationships with children’s families and communities to foster involvement and support children’s development and learning.

A blue icon of a graduation cap over a globe, symbolizing global education.

Upon graduation, students are encouraged to apply for the CDA credential

Stackable Solutions

Scalable to Your Career Level & Goals

Bryant & Stratton College designs skill-building programs to fit your needs. In addition to online, on-campus, and live remote learning options, our degree offerings are scalable and stackable. Whether seeking to jumpstart your career or advance your education we offer diploma, associate, and bachelor’s degrees to help you achieve your academic and career goals on your schedule.

Blue icon showing a document with text lines and a magnifying glass overlay, indicating search or analysis.

Overview

Learn to create programming for early childhood settings that fosters social and intellectual development in learners.

View Program
Program Duration Icon

Program Format

Online/On-campus

Program Duration

  • 2-Years Full-Time Study
Careers Icon

Possible Careers

Blue icon showing a document with text lines and a magnifying glass overlay, indicating search or analysis.

Overview

Prepare to support program development for early learners that fosters social, emotional and intellectual growth.

Program Duration Icon

Program Format

Online/On-campus

Program Duration

  • 1-Year Full-Time Study
  • 2-Years Part-Time Study
Careers Icon

Possible Careers

Key Courses

  • ECED101
     - Foundations in Early Childhood Care and Education
  • ECED102
     - Child Growth and Development
  • ECED104
     - Health, Safety and Nutrition for The Young Child
  • ECED106
     - Family and Community Connections
  • ECED108
     - Language and Literacy in the Content Areas
  • ECED109
     - Guiding Child Behavior
  • ENGL102
     - Research and Writing for the Workplace
  • INFT124
     - Computing Skills
  • MATH101
     - Workplace Mathematics
  • COMM104
     - Learning Communities
  • SOSC115
     - Career Development I: Theory and Practice
  • PSYC130
     - Child Psychology
    • 1 / 1

    Accreditation & Disclosures

    The Council for Professional Recognition has specific requirements for the Child Development Associate credentialing process in addition to the formal education components included in these programs. A career in the field of Early Childhood Education may involve earning certain licenses or certificates, getting additional training, or meeting other requirements that can vary by vocation and state. Bryant & Stratton College recommends all applicants check with the licensing agency in their state for specific requirements*. The Bryant & Stratton College early childhood education programs involve an early childhood practice experience which may be completed within a live childcare environment. All applicants to either early childhood program should be aware that employers may consider numerous factors when determining eligibility or suitability for employment including, but not limited to, criminal background screening, U.S. citizenship, state residency, physical and psychological health, age and military discharge information. A criminal conviction and/or record of certain other conduct may prevent or hinder a student’s completion of their required practice experience or a graduate’s employment in the field of Early Childhood Education. The enrolling applicant has been apprised of these matters and enrolls in this program with full understanding of the same.

    * Virginia residents should refer to licensure regulations for school personnel at the Virginia State Legislative Information System.

    Teacher candidates will find additional information at the Virginia Department of Education at the following address:
    Virginia Department of Education
    James Monroe Building
    101 N. 14th Street
    Richmond, VA 23219

    Careers

    What can you do with a Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Development?

    The Early Childhood Care and Development diploma prepares you to find employment as a childcare worker, preschool teacher’s aide, or daycare assistant teacher. You may also choose to work in a private household or as a self-employed childcare worker. In all of these roles you will attend to the basic needs of children.

    Childcare WorkerPreschool Teachers AideDaycare Assistant Teacher

    Browse our Education Blogs and Unlock Valuable Insights

    View More Blogs

    Take the Next Step

    Online, on-campus, and remote learning options to earn a degree on your schedule.

    Request Info

    Start Your Free Application

    No application fee, because applying to college should be easy and free.

    Apply for Free

    Visit A Campus

    Our campuses provide the education needed to achieve your professional goals. If you’re ready to start your educational and career journey, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

    Schedule a Visit